Oakum packing



A. C. FISCHER OAKUM PACKING Dec. 1, 1931.

Filed Sept. 12, 1925 Patented Dec. 1, 1931 v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALBERT C. FISCHER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO THE PHILIP CAREY MANU- FACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF OHIO OAKUM PACKING Application filed September 12, 1925.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved packing as made in a single coiled strand or strip.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view in longitudi- 5 na-l section of a short length of one of the strands or strips.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in cross section of one of the strands or strips, the section being taken on the line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view in side elevation of a rope-like strand made by entertwining five of the single strands or strips.

Figure 5 is a cross section on the line 55 Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view in side elevation of a rope-likestrand made by entertwining three of the single strands or strips.

Figure 7 is a view in cross section on the line 7- of Figure 6.

Heretofore in the laying of sewer pipe, calking side-walk lights, ships and the like, it has been the practise to utilize a material known as oakum, composed of hemp, jute or flax, oiled or unoiled, which materials are as quite expensive on the market.

I find that there is available considerable roofing felt, known as seconds, and scrap material, and by incorporating therewith a slight percentage of fibrous matter and a softening bituminous material, or fluxes, that it is possible to form a mixture which has binding strength and which readily adapts itself for a packing material. This is accomplished by mixing the roofing scrap in a heavy mixer and incorporating therein a soft bituminous material of low melting point,

suificient to make the material adequately waterproof. I preferably add thereto five (5%). per cent of coconut fibre, or any other 0 suitable long vegetable fibre which will add to the binding strength of the material. This is thoroughly incorporated with a mixer, rolled into sheets between pressing rolls and 5 cut into strips or formed by rolls into ropelike strands and placed in coils, the same as oakum. This material is then treated in much the same manner, only the cost thereof is considerably lower than that of the mate- 0 rials entering into the manufacture of oakum,

Serial No. 56,084.

but the efficiency of the material is equally as good.

I find that the scraps of roofing material are sufficiently interwoven and shredded when masticated in a mixer, so that it flows smoothly and has a substantial strength, especially when having added to it coconut fibre, sisal, long grasses or other fibrous material of considerable length. The material thus produced equals or excels that now in use for the same purpose, and utilizes what is otherwise known as a waste product.

This material is preferably treated with a flux oil, an oil or a low melting point asphalt, so that it will remain pliable and malleable at all times.

In the drawings 1 represents a single strand or strip of my material, the same adapted to be coiled (as shown in Figure 1) for convenience. As hereinbefore explained several of these single strands or strips may be entwined into a rope-like strand 2 (Figures 4L to 7 inelusive).

The materials making up the strands or strips are best illustrated in the sectional views, particularly Figure 2, in which 3 represents the finely divided material from roofing felt, seconds or scrap, and 4 represents tfillge relatively long fibres, such as, coconut The advantages of my invention comprise cheapness and adaptability to a wider variety of use than the other materials. I do not want to limit myself to these specific percentages of softeners, or to any particular condition of time or temperature in mixing or determining the flexibility of the material, as it is variable for the purpose finally desired in the finished product, and can be readily determined by anyone schooled in the art.

Iclaim:

1. Packing of the class described, comprising an elongated preformed strip, said strip comprising a plastic mixture of finely divided fibrous material and plastic bituminous ma.- terial, and having relatively long fibrous material incorporated therein, the thickness of the elongated strip being determined by the size of packing material which is required. 2. Packing material of the class described,

comprising macerated roofing scrap having low melting point bituminous material mixed therewith,' said mixture having relatively long fibrous material incorporated therewith said mixture being formed into elongated strips adapted to be efiectively employed for I packing purposes. v

Signed-EtIChicagO, Illinois, this th day of September,1925. f

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